LUFKIN, TX (KTRE) -
"How do you prevent it?" That's the question many residents had been asking
after a string of burglaries started in August.
And the crime spree went on until early November, until police arrested
Corey Fleming.
Better known as "the door kick burglar," he's suspected of being
involved in at least 20 attempted burglaries.
Some residents feel confident that Fleming is the one who broke into their
homes and believe recent evidence found by police will solve this case.
Evidence like the state championship ring of former Lufkin Panther standout Reggie
McNeal, which was stolen.
McNeal left Lufkin and went on to play at Texas A&M before going to the
professional level.
Neighbors of McNeal's family say they are glad the suspect was caught.
Now a calm can come back to the neighborhood.
"We're a quiet neighborhood over here and don't bother nobody," said
Shirley Arline. "I was so glad to hear that they caught him."
With the new charges brought against Fleming, now residents say they can enjoy
the holidays in peace.
"It has brought an ease to me," Arline said. "We don't have no problems in
the neighborhood."
Ernest Rogers is one of the victims. Since then he has beefed up security,
installing new back doors, security cameras and a new alarm.
But these things are not what's making him feel safe tonight.
"It just really feels good, you know, just knowing that he got caught,"
Rogers said.
Police spokeperson Det. JB
Smith says that the investigation into all the burglaries is ongoing while they try to determine how
many of them Fleming was involved with.
Ernest Rogers
Shirley Arline
Corey Fleming (Source: Angelina County Jail)
